3 From Hudson Valley Charged With Welfare Fraud

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein recently announced three arrests were made under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.

Jason Marshall of Wallkill allegedly failed to report income from May 2018 through October 2018. This resulted in Marshall receiving $1,068 in SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled, officials, say.

Marshall was charged with welfare fraud and offering a false instrument for filing.

Jennifer Powles of Modena illegally received $2,082 in SNAP benefits and $945.50 in daycare benefits by not reporting her income from June 2018 through December 2018, according to a press release.

Powels was arrested for welfare fraud and three counts of offering a false instrument for filing.

Mary Orbacz of Connelly is accused of not reporting her household composition and income from April 2016 through October 2018 which resulted in her receiving $1,240 in HEAP benefits.

Orbacz was charged with welfare fraud and three counts of offering a false instrument for filing.

“By stopping welfare fraud and abuse, we can make sure that benefits are available for those who truly need them while also protecting our taxpayers,” Hein said in a press release. “The County’s `Zero Tolerance´ program is making a difference thanks to the important efforts of the Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit and the Offices of the Ulster County District Attorney and Ulster County Sheriff. Ulster County residents can assist us in reporting any suspicions of such fraud or abuse to the Special Investigations Unit by using the hotline 1-855-SIU-TIPS or 1-855-748-8477.”